Veterinary CPD Hub

A delegate's veterinary nurse nutrition certificate experience

Written by Hélène Rivet RVT VTCert(SAN) | 27 January 2026

I’m a Registered Veterinary Technician based in Quebec, Canada, graduating in 1994. I’ve had the privilege of working with Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada as a Veterinary Product Advisor since 2018.

My happy place is the space where science meets everyday practice. I work closely with veterinarians and pet parents to turn evidence into practical choices, especially when it comes to nutrition. Over the years, I’ve found real joy in those moments when a clear plan helps a pet feel better and makes life easier for the families who love them.  

Deciding to take a certificate

Nutrition has always been the quiet heartbeat running through my work. I’ve seen firsthand how the right diet can lead to better, brighter days for pets and their people. The VTCert(SAN) felt like the perfect way to deepen that passion with structure, credibility, and a shared language I could use when collaborating with clinicians. I wanted more depth, more confidence, and more impact in my conversations, and this certificate offered exactly that.

My manager was wonderfully supportive from day one, cheering me on throughout the journey. I was also fortunate to receive financial support from my employer, which made this opportunity even more meaningful.

A face-to-face course in the UK

My course was held in person, and the experience was unforgettable. The training spaces were modern, bright, and genuinely inviting, designed in a way that made learning feel both focused and comfortable. The atmosphere was warm, the team was welcoming, and even the food was excellent, which added to the overall feeling of being well‑taken‑care‑of throughout the program.

It was also my very first time in the UK (and in Europe altogether) so every moment outside the classroom felt like a small adventure. Transportation was easy and intuitive to get from London to Swindon. Between sessions, I took the time to wander, look around, and soak in the landscapes, the architecture, and that uniquely British blend of charm and history. This added something special to the learning journey, making the whole experience feel bigger than just a course, it became a personal milestone.

The learning was pitched at exactly the right level, yet always practical and applicable. It sharpened my clinical reasoning, strengthened the way I approach nutrition-focused conversations, and gave me tools I now use every single day. The certificate helped transform knowledge into clarity, and clarity into confidence.

My next steps - more CE!

Next, I plan to share my learnings and practical takeaways with my teammates. I’m also hoping to help build nutrition protocols and contribute to clinical guidelines so we can deliver consistent, high‑quality nutrition advice at scale. Continuing education, especially in nutrition, is something I look forward to pursuing even further.

Conclusion

If you’re on the fence about an Improve course, my advice is simple: start. Set a gentle study rhythm, apply each module to real cases as soon as you can, and keep a one‑page summary of your favourite frameworks. The confidence you gain - in the exam room, on the phone with a worried owner, or during a team discussion - arrives quietly and then changes everything. It is never too late to learn or to elevate your skills.

Most of all, I’m grateful, for my manager, for the facilitators, for the instructors, and for this incredible journey. And finally, I’m profoundly grateful for the pets who remind us every single day why all this matters.